Over 60 key stakeholders met today to agree what was described as a "joint approach" in tackling contentious issues affecting the 'Holyland' area of south Belfast.

The forum, hosted by the NI Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, brought together representatives from over 30 organisations to discuss a number of issues arising from the St Patrick's Day disturbances in the area and to consider actions which can be put in place to prevent anything similar happening again.

Among the key issues addressed were student behaviour, planning, accommodation, community safety and alcohol related problems.

The Minister said: "Today's event has proven to be exceptionally useful and is intended to build upon the existing good work undertaken by a number of agencies and organisations in the area.

"A number of action points have been agreed today and will be taken forward for implementation or further investigation by the organisations responsible.

"This is not a one-off meeting. I have committed to holding a further meeting in the autumn to assess progress and examine what further actions we need to consider."

The event, at Malone House, was attended by Stormont Minister and senior officials from a number of government departments, statutory, private and voluntary agencies, including the PSNI, Belfast City Council, higher education institutions and student representatives.

The forum was convened by the Minister following severe trouble in the Carmel Street area of the Holyland on St Patrick's Day this year. A number of people, including students, were arrested by police following the disturbances.

One of the suggestions being put forward by residents - and discussed this morning on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme - was changing laws on private garden areas.

Long-term residents of the troubled streets said they are plagued with 'on-street' parties that have spilled over from the many multiple-occupancy houses into the small - usually paved - garden areas in front.

At present, since these are private property, the police and other officials have limited powers to prohibit activities such as open-air drinking and loud music.

This, and an issue over the inclusion of appropriate student housing in the proposed development of the University of Ulster's Belfast campus, were items debated.

See: Saint's Day Success, Despite Students' 'Riot'